Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
CSU provides student-centered support services that are personal, responsive and geared toward assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Caring, highly-trained faculty and staff create innovative educational programs that incorporate the latest instructional technology with challenging curriculums. CSU focuses on affordable, quality online instruction with a general education core that promotes lifelong learning and success.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Columbia Southern University is a candidate for accreditation by the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate,
master’s and doctorate degrees, and certificates. Questions about the status of
Columbia Southern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA
30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s
website.
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting
Commission (DEAC). CSU has maintained accreditation since it was initially granted
on January 15, 2001 and received its most recent renewal of accreditation through
January 2026. All CSU programs have been reviewed and approved by DEAC. The DEAC
is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized agency, and is recognized
by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA). CHEA is a nonprofit organization
serving as a national advocate for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation.
